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ANNAPOLIS – Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis and a deputy, dressed in full uniform and using sheriff’s office cars, have starred in a video detailing when and how Marylanders can “open carry” some weapons.

The 5-minute, 12-second video was organized by one of the more conservative members of the Maryland General Assembly, Delegate Mike Smigiel.

After filming, the video was posted to YouTube by Tom Locastro, who calls himself James Madison online. More than 13,000 people have viewed the video.

Lewis said Thursday he would have reconsidered his decision to be in the video if he knew it was going to be posted on the Internet.

“I was told by Delegate Smigiel that we were doing this as an educational, legislative piece for his colleagues up here in Annapolis,” Lewis said. “I did not approve, nor did I condone the release of this on YouTube.”

The YouTube video starts with Smigiel, R-36-Cecil, walking down a street with a black .22 rifle slung on his shoulder. The deputy stops Smigiel to ask him why he’s walking down a street with an unsecured gun in plain view.

Smigiel said it’s allowed in Maryland. Attorney General Doug Gansler said in federal court that Maryland doesn’t need to have concealed carry law because everyone has an open carry right.

A few moments later, Sheriff Lewis arrives in a black SUV. After talking, Sheriff Lewis takes the gun from Smigiel and the two chat while walking back to the SUV.

The video ends with a warning. It says Marylanders should not try what they just saw because they may be arrested or shot. It also says Smigiel and Lewis know each other.

Lewis said the deputy in the video, Cpl. Hal Phillips, was on duty but not on a call during the taping.

Lewis said he does not believe the video has any political use, but that it educates residents throughout the state on when they legally can carry a weapon.

“We don’t use our uniforms for any political gain,” Lewis said.

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office does have a policy governing when law enforcement officers can be in videos. Lewis said he could not remember specifics.

The Daily Times, he said, would have to file a Public Information Act request to see what the policy includes. The Daily Times submitted a request Thursday afternoon.

The video was shot in Salisbury’s industrial park. Smigiel represents the Upper Shore’s 36th district, which does not include any parts of Wicomico County.

The video is also posted to Smigiel’s political website. Both Smigiel and Sheriff Lewis are seeking re-election this year.

While Lewis is unopposed, Smigiel is one of eight Republicans seeking the three seats up for grabs in the 36th District.

Smigiel said on Thursday the video is not political, but educational in nature. He said it’s OK to use public resources, such as a sheriff’s office, to educate the public and state lawmakers.

“I think there is nothing more appropriate than spending public funds to educate legislators on the constitution,” Smigiel said. “I think that’s the most appropriate use of public funds; to educate legislators on what they swear an oath to.”

The video was recorded on a Sunday. Smigiel said it took about an hour for the four men to tape it. He said the videographer, Tom Locastro, was not paid.

Locastro is not a member of either candidate’s campaign team, Smigiel said.

Delegate Jon Cardin, D-11-Baltimore County, said it is important for elected officials to be cautious about their actions.

“I’ve learned from personal experience we all have to be careful about our actions, because as elected officials we should be held to a very high standard,” Cardin said. “In an election year, legislative issues become campaign issues, and so there needs to be some flexibility, some latitude, but we also ought to be careful about perceptions.”